Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s great for people who: are new to massage want to release tension desire gentle touch It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage. For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively working on. The massage therapist will use a combination of: kneading long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart deep circular motions vibration and tapping passive joint movement techniques Usually, a Swedish massage will last 60 to 90 minutes.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. Hot stone massage may help: ease muscle tension improve blood flow alleviate pain promote relaxation relieve stress During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas of the whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques with gentle pressure. Sometimes, cold stones are also used. You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage, unless you’d prefer to wear your underwear. You’ll be covered with a sheet. Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who enjoy scent and want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help: boost your mood reduce stress and anxiety reduce symptoms of depression relieve muscle tension relieve pain Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin. During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes, an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing, but underwear is optional. An aromatherapy massage is 60 to 90 minutes.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that: promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation helps relieve pain may relieve headache reduces muscle tension improves sleep and fatigue may improve mood A 2019 study found that shiatsu therapy combined with standard care for lower back pain improved symptoms and quality of life immediately after treatment. Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage. Shiatsu massages typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress. It can also help improve: flexibility circulation energy levels Thai massage works the entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yogic stretching. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be stretched and twisted into various positions. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing during the massage. A Thai massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.